The Cartographers’ Guild is a forum created by and for map makers and aficionados, a place where every aspect of cartography can be admired, examined, learned, and discussed. Our membership consists of professional designers and artists, hobbyists, and amateurs—all are welcome to join and participate in the quest for cartographic skill and knowledge.

Although we specialize in maps of fictional realms, as commonly used in both novels and games (both tabletop and role-playing), many Guild members are also proficient in historical and contemporary maps. Likewise, we specialize in computer-assisted cartography (such as with GIMP, Adobe apps, Campaign Cartographer, Dundjinni, etc.), although many members here also have interest in maps drafted by hand.

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I wouldnt say I have familiarity with cartography. I have used very few of the programs listed here, save CorelDraw and that never for mapping. For mapping I most frequently use the MapInfo/Discover combination and I have used Arc on occasion.

Welcome, Russ. Hey, it can't hurt that you understand the subject from the ground up :-). Your professional acquaintance with landforms and geological processes should serve you well... too many mappers have trouble with the basics like water flowing downhill and mountains being found in chains...

Are you looking to gain proficiency with fantasy mapping, or depiction of reality? Quite a bit different on the front end, since starting from a blank screen one has to generate some kind of terrain, whereas for plain ol' reality one has everything from the Mk. 1 eyeball to DEMs at hand.